Rapoport just doesn’t picture a scenario where the Texans would trade him.

“Johnson doesn’t have many options and the Texans really don’t either. He’s due so much money. There’d be $10 million in dead money for Houston if they traded him. The team getting him would have to take on $15 million in salary, unless he agreed to a paycut. But if you’re gonna get the money anyway, why take a paycut? It doesn’t make sense and not a lot of teams can withstand that.

“He’s soul searching. He’s frustrated. His hands are tied and the team’s hands are tied too. My guess is they keep talking to him and get him to come back. Retirement is more of an option than being traded,” said Rapoport.

In a dream scenario Johnson, 32, would obviously like to play for a contender.

“If he had his druthers I’m sure he’d say put me on one of the best five teams in the NFL. But I just don’t think he can afford to think like that,” Rapoport added.

After discussing the backup quarterback situation with Ryan Mallett and newly-drafted Jimmy Garoppolo, the conversation shifted to the Patriots biggest challengers within the division.

The Dolphins, Bills and Jets all improved this offseason through the draft and free agency, but let’s face it: all roads still go through New England.

“I like what the Dolphins did. They essentially redid their entire offensive line. They’re saying that Ryan Tannehill is their guy and they’re going to protect him, and whatever happens from there is gonna be because Tannehill and the new offensive coordinator are the guys. Buffalo kind of did the same thing with E.J. Manuel, except instead of getting him two great tackles they got him the best wide receiver in the draft in Sammy Watkins. Buffalo’s defense is better. I think Jim Schwartz will be very very good.

“I guess Buffalo, maybe, might be in a better position than the Dolphins. But here’s the problem with talking about that, and we do it every year — I do it every year also. It’s been so long since someone actually took down New England that it’s almost like ridiculous to talk about until somebody actually does it. Until someone beats them they still rule the East,” Rapoport concluded.